Your Guide To Eyeglasses For Every Face Shape

Tips For Finding The Best Eyeglasses For Your Face

While some people just look “right” in glasses, others avoid wearing them until they’re forced to get a pair for reading or simply to give their eyes a rest at the end of the day. If you’re in the latter group, and you never wear glasses because you don’t think they look good on you or they don’t bring out your best features, you’re in luck: There is actually a science to choosing the right eyeglasses for your face shape. Picking out glasses isn’t just about choosing your favorite, but finding the frames that actually flatter your face shape.

The next time you set out to buy those dreaded glasses, consider the following expert advice, and you’re guaranteed to put your best face forward.

Choosing Eyeglasses for Your Face ShapeAccording to the Vision Council of America, eyeglass frames should contrast with the shape of your face, be in proportion to the size of your face, and complement your best feature(s). And, to make things even easier for you, VCA outlines the different face shapes and the frames that complement them best.

Eyeglasses for an Oval FaceOval-shaped faces are ideal and are the standard to which all other face shapes are compared. Distinguishing characteristics of an oval face are a rounded hairline and a chin that is narrower than the hairline. If you’re one of the lucky ones to be blessed with an oval face, you can pick from a variety of eyeglass frames. VCA suggests that, to maintain the balanced look of an oval face, you should choose frames that are equal to or slightly wider than the widest part of your face. Walnut-shaped frames are often a good choice for oval faces.

Eyeglasses for a Round FaceFaces that are round in shape are almost as wide as they are long, and are full through the cheeks, with a rounded chin and hairline. If you fall into this category, VCA says that your most flattering eyeglass frames are those that minimize the width of your face, while emphasizing the length. Narrow, angular frames will actually help your face to look thinner and longer. And, if they’re available, you might want to opt for frames that have a clear bridge (the part that extends across the nose) to widen your eyes. In addition, frames that are wider than they are tall, such as rectangular frames, will also help you achieve the perfect look. Finally, VCA suggests that you avoid frames that are too round or square, which will only enhance the round shape of your face.

Eyeglasses for an Oblong FaceIf your face is oblong, the width of your face will be similar at your forehead, cheekbones and jawline. In addition, those with long faces often have a very prominent chin. If you have an oblong face, your goal should be to choose glasses that will give your face more width. To make your face appear more balanced and closer to the ideal oval shape, try frames that are tall from top to bottom with temples that have decoration or that are contrasted in color. Styles that have dropped temples can also shorten the length of your face.

Celebrity Look-a-Likes: Sarah Jessica Parker and Gabrielle Reece

Eyeglasses for a Triangle-shaped FaceTriangle-shaped faces are narrow at the forehead and wider at the cheekbones and chin. If this describes your face shape, you will want to choose glasses that will add width to the top part of your face, while softening the bottom part. To achieve this, VCA suggests frames that match the width of the jawline, but are top-heavy. Frames that match those criteria can include semi-rimless, aviator-shaped, or those that are more detailed or boldly colored on the top half. If you’re feeling particularly daring, you can even try cat-eye frames. You have the perfect face for the cool, funky frames that everyone else wants but is afraid to try! However, make sure that the trendy style doesn’t include low temples, as they will take the emphasis away from the top of your face.

Celebrity Look-a-Likes: Elizabeth Hurley and Kathy Ireland

Eyeglasses for a Heart-shaped FaceHeart-shaped faces have wide foreheads, high cheekbones and narrow chins. If you have a heart-shaped face, your goal is to detract from the width of your forehead by adding emphasis to the bottom of your face. Experts from VCA recommend styles that are wider at the bottom or have low temples. In addition, styles that are rimless or light in color are good choices. You will want to avoid styles that are heavily decorated or colored on the top, as this will emphasize your wide forehead.

Eyeglasses for a Diamond-shaped FaceA diamond-shaped face is the rarest, but, like the oval face, it can sport many different frames. A perfect cross between an oval and a heart, the diamond face has striking cheekbones, combined with a narrow jawline and hairline. Frames that emphasize the temples should be avoided. Instead, choose frames that will enhance your cheekbones, such as those that have detailing, rimless frames, or are oval- or cat-eye-shaped.

Eyeglasses for a Square FaceSquare-shaped faces feature very prominent, geometrical jawlines and hairlines with consistent width all the way down the face. VCA suggests softening the look with frames that are curved and narrow. The frames should match the width of the widest part of your face and should be wider than they are tall. You might want to consider oval frames with centered temples, or other styles that have weight at the top. Square or rectangular frames, which match the shape of your face, should be avoided.

Pay Attention to ColorThe last item you will want to consider when picking out the perfect frames is color. VCA notes that all people fall into one of two categories: those with warm tones and those will cool tones. When you choose your frames, you should carefully consider your coloring and pick glasses that complement it. VCA lists three factors to consider when determining your coloring.

SkinYour skin tone is the main determining factor of coloring. Cool skin tones have blue or pink undertones, while warm skin tones have yellow undertones. According to VCA, 60 percent of the American population falls into the cool-complexion category.

EyesEye colors can also be categorized as cool or warm, and should influence your choice of glasses. Almost every eye color has shades that are cool or warm. For example, blue-violet eyes are cool in color, while blue-gray eyes are warm. Similarly, brown eyes can be either cool or warm, depending on the shade.

HairFinally, your hair color can also be cool or warm. See below for a listing of cool and warm hair colors.

Once you determine if you are primarily “cool” or “warm,” it will be easy to pick out the right color for your frames. If you are in the warm category, you should look for frames that are different shades of brown—camel, khaki, gold and copper—or frames that are peach, coral, orange, red, off-white, warm blue or blond tortoise. If you fall into the cool color category, opt for frames in black, rose-brown, blue-gray, plum, magenta, pink, jade, blue, and amber (darker) tortoise. For a complete guide to choosing eyeglass frames, visit eyecessorize.com.

While picking out the perfect glasses can be a daunting task, as long as you follow the guidelines above, you will walk out of the eye doctor’s office with a look that you can embrace. Who knows? You may even decide you like your new look and your contacts will be a thing of the past. Just like any other accessory, glasses can change your look instantaneously. And, if the task is still overwhelming, consult the optician in your eye doctor’s office—they can offer invaluable advice.

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